Losing weight is a commitment to wanting to look and feel better about yourself, not only on the outside, but on the inside too. But in order to do it right, you need to create new habits that focus around eating healthy and being more active in your daily routine. This could include small daily changes such as taking the stairs instead of an elevator, committing yourself to a set number of minutes of exercise per day, or simply by cutting out sugar, depending on how much weight you need to lose.

Of course, this is easier said than done and, let’s face it, there will most likely be obstacles and challenges that will tempt you to give up. Overcoming these obstacles is all up to you, and it’s done by keeping yourself motivated and having a positive attitude. It also helps to be a little bit prepared, so here’s a list of obstacles you may need to face and how to move past them and never look back.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are always hard, which is why I recommend small positive changes you can do on a daily basis. You need to find new ways of doing things and eating healthy so that your daily routine changes slightly. Drastic changes all at once are a recipe for disaster, so don’t just jump right in. Start by preparing your meals ahead of time, making sure you’re always hydrated, and adding a little more physical activity to your daily routine. That means that you don’t want to promise yourself that you’ll go running three times a week from the get-go, start small and set realistic goals while making gradual changes to your regular routine so that everything isn’t so overwhelming.

Your Outlook

If you want to lose 5 lbs or 50 lbs,  there is no quick permanent fix. Be reasonable with your goals and do not set an unobtainable and unrealistic goal for yourself, because if you fail you will be demotivated and you’ll want to give up and most you will likely beat yourself up about it. Set realistic expectations, like 2 lbs a week, for example. Set a monthly goal and weigh yourself once a week to keep yourself motivated. Reward yourself with a treat that is not food! Rewards could be buying yourself a new book or item of clothing, going to a show or movie, or well-deserved nap. Push yourself to do better, review your goals every month, and set the bar higher for yourself by exercising a few minutes more. Just make sure you are never setting unrealistic goals that are near impossible to achieve. As long as you obtain one small goal at a time, you’ll start seeing the results and will be motivated to keep going.

Exercise

Without exercise in your daily routine, you will struggle to lose weight. Losing weight isn’t all about extreme diets. You need to balance a healthy meal plan with an active routine. Not only will exercise help you lose weight, but it will also make you feel better both physically and emotionally. You will need to try and keep your workouts consistent and increase the length each week. Find something you’ll enjoy doing, whether it’s bike riding, aerobics, or just running.

Eating and Drinking Habits

Changing what and when you eat will be a challenge. Getting out of a routine of unhealthy snacking or skipping meals is vital but not something that is easily done in a day, or even a week. Making the change will be hard but it will also be beneficial in the long run. One thing you can do to avoid temptations and unhealthy snacks is to prepare your meals and drink plenty of water thoughout the day. This will ensure that you remain energized all day and you don’t have to waste time thinking about what to eat.

Work, Family and Functions

You cannot control the people around you. Just because you’re planning on losing weight and eating healthy, does not mean that everyone else is on board. Strong will power will help you make healthier choices at work, family gatherings, and when you’re out with friends. It’s a challenge, but always remember what your goal is, what you’re doing this for. Remember that if you give in, you’ll just feel bad about it later and it won’t be worth it. If you’re going to restaurant, order something that is in your meal plan, or as close as possible. When going to a bar, avoid alcohol and eat a healthy meal before going out so that you aren’t tempted to snack.

Getting Enough Sleep

Your body needs to get at 7- 9 hours of sleep to function at its best. Since every person is different, you need to learn the exact amount of sleep that is perfect for you. Without enough sleep your hormones will be thrown off and you will be tired and sluggish and this could add to your cravings and sluggish feeling. Inadequate sleep could prevent your weight loss. Do whatever you need to do to wind down and make sure you have your much needed rest.

Support

Having a spouse, family member, or friend join you on your body transformation journey will make things so much easier. It will help keep you motivated and encouraged, and will keep you accountable. If it isn’t possible to go through the journey with a friend, at least keep someone in the loop so that you have accountability to keep you on track. You can also try to find a gym buddy to make your workouts more fun and challenging.

If you live with family members who aren’t on the same journey as you, tell them what your goals are and how important it is for them to be supportive. That means encouraging you and keeping their snacks out of your sight when possible.

Don’t forget to download MakeMyPlate to your phone to help you get through your weight loss journey and reach your goals!
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